Summer reading program attracts more than 600

Tuesday

Jul 9, 2013 at 1:31 PMJul 9, 2013 at 1:33 PM

Lois Westermeyer Managing Editor

More than 600 local children are participating in Pontiac Public Library's summer reading program.Library director Layla Johnston told the board of trustees Monday the program "has been a great success so far, with 623 youngsters" taking part in story hours, craft programs, bingo nights and Friday lunch and a movie events."It is a very good turnout so far," Johnston stated, adding the summer reading program continues through Friday, July 19. There will be a conclusion party with games and snacks from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. that Friday.There will also be magician and ventriloquist Chris McBrien entertaining children and adults on Tuesday, July 16, at 7 p.m."Last year the children in the program logged nearly 3,000 hours of reading and we hope to surpass that this year," she said.In another matter, the board helped with answering a survey needed for the annual per capita grant from the state. The grant amounts to about $12,000 and is usually received around September or October.The board members discussed the library's strengths, such as computers for public use and the broadband internet network which will come online next month, programs for children and adults, a central location in the downtown and a partnership with Heartland Community College.Items needed to be worked on included keeping up with technology and expansion of the library and its offerings.Johnston said she would prepare the grant and submit it by August.The director also notified the board about a scam that was taking place involving the library. A patron called the library and stated they were solicited for a donation on behalf of the library. However, the library does not solicit funds over the phone and Johnston notified police and media immediately of the scam. She said no other patron notified the library concerning this scam.Johnston also alerted the board to a situation that occurred with a patron and their "service dog."A patron came in with a small dog they said was a service dog, although the dog did not have a "service dog vest" as required by law, Johnston said. The dog barked at library patrons, which the director said was "unusual" for a service dog."Service dogs are normally very well trained and are very quiet," the director said. She noted the patron came in for several days in a row and on the third day, the "service dog" became aggressive and attempted to bite another library patron. "We had to ask the patron to take the dog and leave," Johnston said. "We have to follow Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines, but that does not override the safety of others. When other patrons are put in harm's way, we have to step in," she said.